The first player from outside the white community to represent Zimbabwe, Ali Shah was one of their genuine allrounders during the period they were pressing for full Test status. A left-hand batsman who batted right down the order, and a right-arm medium-pace bowler, Shah started his international career in Zimbabwe's 1983 World Cup debut, and by the time he finished they were a Test side. His cricket suffered from the mid 80s as he went into business and was unable to devote the necessary time to practice and playing. Nevertheless, he was due to play in Zimbabwe's inaugural Test in 1992-93 until he put his foot in a hole and sprained his ankle on the eve of the game. He toured India in that season and again a year later, but fell out of favour with the selectors who were looking for greater commitment. A sound domestic season in 1995-96 led to his recall for the Sri Lanka tour, and in the second Test at Colombo he made his Test-best of 62. That was his final first-class match. In another era, or had he had the time to play and train, he would undoubtedly have played far more. He subsequently became a television commentator and a national selector, but was removed from this latter role at the start of the Heath Streak affair.
Martin Williamson (April 2004)

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